Ground Broken For New Carlsbad High School

Dignitaries gathered this afternoon (October 14, 2010) to smile, shake hands, and ceremonially turn over some dirt (we’re just guessing here) near the corner of College and Cannon Rd to mark the official beginning of construction on Carlsbad Unified School District’s new $104 million state-of-the-green high school.

Students and staff will benefit from improved indoor air quality resulting from the use of low-emitting building and surfacing materials. Energy-efficient ventilating systems and siting on a high elevation just three miles from the ocean that enjoys westerly breezes will decrease overall energy costs by one-third. When completed in an estimated 28 months, the campus will include a library, career center, classrooms, science and fine arts buildings, and a gymnasium with nearby athletic fields.

Come to think of it, students at the new school will benefit from all kinds of things, namely not having to drive through packed neighborhoods to get to school every morning.

Follow the jump for more info from the company who will be building the school.Carlsbad Unified School District Breaks Ground on
$104-Million High School Seen as Model of “Green Design”

Carlsbad, Calif. – Groundbreaking ceremonies were held today for one of California’s most environmentally advanced and energy-efficient high school campuses on an approximately 57-acre site in the city of Carlsbad. Approved by voters in 2006, but delayed while plans were changed in response to environmental concerns, the $104-million learning center has been designed to emphasize environmental learning and experience. The school will initially serve 1,500 students with room to accommodate another 900 if future expansions are made.

Construction of this 139,000 SF state-of-the-art campus will convey to the community and students the benefits of high-performance design that combines environmental, economic and social objectives. “The campus demonstrates the dynamic balance of the man-made environment with nature, providing an inspirational atmosphere for learning,” according to Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent, John Roach, Ed. D.

Attending the ceremony were representatives from the Carlsbad Unified School District; the City of Carlsbad; contractor Barnhart Balfour Beatty; program manager Gafcon, Inc.; and architects Roesling Nakamura Terada.

Students and staff will benefit from improved indoor air quality resulting from the use of low-emitting building and surfacing materials. Energy-efficient ventilating systems and siting on a high elevation just three miles from the ocean that enjoys westerly breezes will decrease overall energy costs by one-third. When completed in an estimated 28 months, the campus will include a library, career center, classrooms, science and fine arts buildings, and a gymnasium with nearby athletic fields.

Educational displays and demonstration areas on campus will increase the students’ and community’s knowledge of high-performance design. In addition, construction waste will be diverted from landfills by recycling, salvaging or composting 75% of construction and demolition debris.

Funds for the new high school came from Proposition P, a $198-million school-construction measure approved by voters in 2006. The project received approval and permits from the City of Carlsbad, California Department of Fish and Game, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.